Final answer:
High-context communication relies on nonverbal cues and cultural norms to convey meaning, with body language and environmental context playing a significant role in interpreting messages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The communication style in which people rely on the context of nonverbal actions and environmental setting to convey meaning is known as high-context communication. In high-context cultures, body language, facial expressions, and other forms of nonverbal communication carry significant meaning. These signals are interpreted based on the societal norms and understandings that are shared among individuals within the culture.
Nonverbal symbols, like smiles or a thumbs-up, can have different meanings in different cultures. For instance, smiling usually represents joy, but in some cultures, smiling at strangers can be considered rude. Similarly, while a thumbs-up is a positive gesture in the U.S., it can be offensive in places like Russia and Australia. Moreover, even the way one waves their hand or winks can convey a variety of messages, demonstrating the complexity and cultural dependence of nonverbal communication.
Cultural norms and expectations greatly influence how we interpret and engage in nonverbal communication. This is why understanding the context and culture is crucial in high-context communication, where a considerable amount of meaning is derived from nonverbal cues rather than explicit spoken words.